Fermented Aloe Vera Extract

[ziggestardust]

I just started a brew of fermented Aloe Vera extract. Since I could not find much info on this (almost none) I'm turning to you guys. Anyone tried it? Results?

This is how I did:

1. Take a large node from an aloe vera plant and chop it in pieces.
2. Pour pieces together with a fair amount of LAB serum in your mixer.
3. Mix the shit out of it. Make sure to chop up the slimy aloe gel pieces.
4. Put in a glass jar and fill up to the rim with warm water.
5. Let it brew!

My theory is that this will be a very good rooting serum since aloe contains:

Sapoin - increased reaistance to bacteria and fungi
Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C
18 amino acids
Steroids - increased growth
Enzymes - good for the soil
Salicylic acid - rooting hormone (?)

Since I'm a newbie feel free to correct me where I'm wrong and fill in any positive/negative things you may notice.

I just planted 23 germinated seeds (different collected from bags of weed). In a week or so, when the serum is ready, ill start feeding half of them with it. I sure hope to see some results
Sources:
http://www.aloeverafarms.com/aloe-info.html
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/aloe-000221.htm
http://www.usfarmsinc.com/about-aloe-vera/page-4.html

 

[al-k-mist]

I dont know, something about the aloe converting into benzoic acid as it ferments...as in, in a few hours, so you cant keep a solution around...at least as far as I remember
we just did clones saturday, and used NO rooting hormone. we used peat/pumice/vermicompost and an aloe/water mixture(60 ml to a gallon) w/ a shot of protek(2.5ml). They are looking very happy, its a great rooting hormone
Im sure someone WAY more versed in this shit than me can chime in

 

[ICMaggotMe]

My experience with fermented plant extracts would lead me to believe that the fermentation process would deconstruct those very compounds that make aloe vera such a desirable and useful adjunct to an organic grow.

IME, using aloe vera juice along with an FPE is a better use of this wonderful plant.

 

[ziggestardust]

Actually I read the instruction in this page http://gilcarandang.com/?page_id=14 , this guy is supposed to be "the godfather of FPM". When selecting a plant he says that a fresh juicy succulent is the best. Aloe Vera is a succulent as far as I know.

I will e-mail Gil and ask about it.

 

[Neo 420]

I dont know, something about the aloe converting into benzoic acid as it ferments...as in, in a few hours, so you cant keep a solution around...

I believe benzoic acid is one of the chemicals use to preserve aloe and that is a no no for us..
Once the aloe fillet is exposed to air it starts to oxidize in thirty minutes or so. That is when you lose some of those secondary compounds and nutrients.

Aloe vera should be processed within hours after being harvested to prevent oxidation.
http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/?objectid=03DA71AE-C566-28C0-D126DFE3E2ADF759

 

[al-k-mist]

okay. it makes sense...i dont use preservatives in mine, bust the post where that thought came from was older, and the person who made the statement recommeds against preservatives...it was probably made before they found that out.
Thanks for the clarification

 

[ziggestardust]

So after only three days the pH is down to 3.2. Does that mean I added too much lactic acid? I more or less mixed the aloe leaves in lactic acid and topped of with a small amount of plain tap water, about as much water as lactic acid.

Anyway, I fed it to some of my plants both as a foliar and a small amount to the pots. Comparison trial starts in a few days when all seeds have their first set of leaves.

 

[growingcrazy]

I really like the use of aloe in our gardening systems. I use it quite often with my mite prevention.

I do mine a bit different..

Aloe leaves, rosemary, garlic into the blender with a small amount of water. Blend until well liquified.

Take that mixture and put it into a crock pot on low over night and let cool in the crock pot.

Strain that and put it into a glass water picture and let settle. Once it settles you are left with a clear reddish brown liquid on top. I use a turkey baster to suck that out and put it into its final storage container (orange juice bottle) and into the fridge.

I have been using this for almost daily foliar sprays for months with nothing but good results.

How does oxidation effect the results we get from aloe?


Sorry Zigge, if you want me to remove this since it it your thread let me know!

GC

 

[W89]

I wouldnt be giving plants with no true leaves FPE's you wanna wait untill atleast 10 day before feeding it anything surely

 

[ziggestardust]

I really like the use of aloe in our gardening systems. I use it quite often with my mite prevention.

I do mine a bit different..

Aloe leaves, rosemary, garlic into the blender with a small amount of water. Blend until well liquified.

Take that mixture and put it into a crock pot on low over night and let cool in the crock pot.

Strain that and put it into a glass water picture and let settle. Once it settles you are left with a clear reddish brown liquid on top. I use a turkey baster to suck that out and put it into its final storage container (orange juice bottle) and into the fridge.

I have been using this for almost daily foliar sprays for months with nothing but good results.

How does oxidation effect the results we get from aloe?


Sorry Zigge, if you want me to remove this since it it your thread let me know!

GC

I remember reading somewhere that some of the B vitamins actually are carbohydrates, they are of course broken down in the fermentation process so those are lost. Can't answer for oxidation though.

No probs, I'm just glad there are activity

 

[ziggestardust]

I wouldnt be giving plants with no true leaves FPE's you wanna wait untill atleast 10 day before feeding it anything surely

Would you care to elaborate?

It is my understanding that the lactobacillus are good for the leaves, it protects against pathogens etc.

Further, the NPK values of the extract are very low, it mostly feeds enzymes, amino acids etc - which are good for seedlings and clones.

Not to sound like a smart ass, you are probably right - I just wanted to know why you give me that advice

 

[TwistedPistils]

I believe w89 was referring to seedlings, you should wait until they have true leaves before feeding them with anything. Even a light tea can harm tiny little plants. Also, from what I understand from CC is that aloe needs to be used withing 20 minutes of cutting open a leaf. When the gel starts to turn yellow, omg it's nasty! I just mash up aloe with a rolling pin, scrape the gooey mass into a small container of rain water, stir stir stir for about 5 minutes, then dump it through a strainer into my spray tank with silica and whatever tea and GO! If you don't strain it you will be cussing every 10 seconds as your sprayer clogs, that is unless you have that nifty metal sprayer CC talks about Hope this helps!

 

[Scrappy4]

Aloe vera can be a valuable addition to our gardens when its fresh, full of beneficial secondary compounds, when its fermented, (and it happens extremely fast) it devolves into its base elements. Kind of like sending dead flowers to your main squeeze......

Happy Easter everyone.....peace out......scrappy

 

[W89]

@ZSD It might not hurt, just I have had bad results from feeding too early, even very lightly